High water level stops bid to clear debris build-up - The Worcester Observer

High water level stops bid to clear debris build-up

Worcester Editorial 7th Nov, 2019   0

A PLANNED closure of Worcester Bridge to remove flood debris has been postponed with more rain forecast in the coming days.

Highways chiefs had hoped to tackle the vast amount of debris against the bridge with a one lane closure on Monday (November 4) to ensure the Severn could flow freely once again.

However further rain on Saturday once again saw river levels rise meaning the work was postponed to a later date.

Water levels on the River Severn had fallen dramatically after the city experienced its worst flooding since the 2014 deluge last week.




Vehicles on car parks close to the river were left underwater after the Severn rose an estimated four metres above its normal level after a month’s rain fell in 24 hours last Friday and Saturday.

Once ready for work to be carried out, the debris will be removed by a grab crane on the bridge, meaning the road into the city across the bridge will be closed to traffic.


Staff in boats on the river will also be on site to cut up the larger tree trunks which are trapped against the bridge.

Jon Fraser from Worcestershire County Council Highways said: “The increased river levels and flows would mean it’s unsafe for operatives to be working in boats on the river.

“We will liaise with our colleagues from the Environment Agency regarding the river level and reschedule the operation at such time that it is safe to do so.”

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